CSU quarterback Justice McCoy has grown up fast since spring

Colorado State quarterback Justice McCoy (2) throws next to teammate K.J. Carta-Samuels (1) during practice on Thursday in Fort Collins. (Andy Cross / The Denver Post)

FORT COLLINS — There needed to be a trigger.

Justice McCoy talks like a player who, at first, didn't realize how bad he needed one, but it came to him.

That's when his work in ernest began.

"I was proud that I was able to grow up that fast, but I also knew I needed to grow up that fast," he said. "I didn't know what the spark would be, but it was definitely something I needed to do."

A series of events brought it about. Collin Hill was injured right before spring practice began, and suddenly the Rams were looking for a quarterback…